Because of the increasing political tensions in Thailand, the Foreign Office is advising all Britons currently in the country to remain indoors, and to follow the situation on the world’s media. All non-essential travel to Thailand should also be avoided, according to the British government.

On Thursday the Foreign Office was advising British nationals to avoid Bangkok, but that warning has been revised to include the rest of the country. A statement from the Foreign Office said that it was still advising that people avoid the country’s capital, and warned Britons to be vigilant in the regions because of what it called the unpredictable nature of violent incidents occurring in many parts of Thailand.

The new warnings come in the wake of last week’s series of explosions near a gathering of anti-government, Red Shirt protesters. The blasts caused a number of people to suffer injuries. So far the clashes between the army and those calling for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his government to step aside, has resulted in the deaths of more than 26 people and the wounding of hundreds more.

The Foreign office has described the present situation as volatile, and urged people to stay abreast of further developments by visiting the department’s website and that of the embassy. They have also advised that Britons try to avoid large crowds and demonstrations.

The Prime Minister recently broke off his negotiations with the demonstrators, but has said that he still thought the situation could be resolved without further bloodshed. However, hundreds of troops still maintain an armed presence in a number of areas of Bangkok.